What Happened
The cattle market is witnessing significant changes as the rapid growth of beef × dairy crossbreeding reshapes feeder cattle supplies across the country. Dairy producers are increasingly breeding dairy cows to beef sires, leading to a rise in dairy × beef crossbred steers entering feedlots, particularly in Oklahoma. A recent study by Oklahoma State University evaluated the profitability of beef steers compared to dairy crossbred steers in various finishing systems.
Why It Matters
This trend raises important economic questions regarding the performance of these crossbred steers compared to traditional beef steers. The study found that while beef steers gained faster during grazing, dairy crossbred yearlings exhibited the highest average daily gain in feedlots, showcasing their potential for compensatory gain that offsets prior weight differences. This could influence future breeding and feeding strategies in the cattle industry.
What’s Next
As the cattle market adapts to these changes, producers may need to reassess their breeding choices and feeding systems to optimize profitability. The ongoing demand for beef and the economic implications of crossbreeding will likely drive further research and development in this area. Additionally, cattle sales, such as those seen at the Roma Saleyards, will continue to reflect these trends, with varying prices based on breed and weight.
